Variety (March 1919)

r*^'-r,r-''-*<^^^?^7^^^. iffi'. f: K 22 PAUCE. fbe FAlace bill tbls week Is a real yarlety > higti grade cntartainmoDt, with Rock and White and tba Nnvy Jazz Band heading It Besidea tbere Is tbe production end of the Sesbury and Sbaw turon and there la no act in vaudeville which can boaat of a moro tasteful setting, also those real peraonaUty girls, the Dancau Sletera, besidea the olaaa turn of Wright and Otetrlcu, and that eztretnely clever girl, Marie ' Nordstrom, with real material of varied tex- ture and ae fine as It comes in vaudeville. Tbe show Tuesday evening opened at 8.00, closing at 10.56, which meant speed. The Tip . Yip Taphankers, nine tumbllni; boys In uni- form, never lost anyone when closing tbe show with their fast seven-minute turn. Capacity was there before 8.15. Somehow somebody found 22 extra chairs to place along- ' aide the boxea on the ground floor. Tbe bill opened with a peculiar arrangement, made necessary through a sad death. Fern and D«,vl8 left tbe bill owing to the serious illness of Harry Fern, who died Tuesday algbt. No substitute was employed. Ben Beyer opened tbe show, with tbe picture ireekly taking up tbe No. 2 tifne, while tbe stage was set tor Beabury and Sbaw. An- ' other change was the Duncan girls moving to the No. 4 positloD, aft^r having been pro- ■ grained at K. Tbe NavT Band with 25 pieces or so closed the flrst part. Either side of tbe tntermtsslon . Is a good spot for thoir music. When bere . durloK the Third Liberty Loan, and be-. fore tbey .went to France, tbe Naval Jazzera sounded newer, but their wild jazzing flnisb Tuesday night just got the house where It lived, and It sounded as big for them as at '. the matinee they opened on their. previous trip. The boys wear the navy blue uniforms, One sings a rag number with gestures. Three of tbe turns had what sounded like all new material. Miss Nordstrom was one, with hers written by Frances Nordstrom, a sister. She did a "Hook and Eye" verse, "Hats," ."Calling at the Lawyer's" and "Nell of Vaude- ville," omitting her "Fan" encore, cutting the . time down 10 mlnotea. Closing with tbe vaude- • vlUe bit rarely escaped stopping tbe show for : Miss Nordstrom. Tbe lyric telle of bow Nell, a straight singer who did operatic numbers flopped until tbe war songs came in, then she > had a dlfterent one every night. It's a bright : bit of travesty, tbe manner In which Miss Nordstrom did tbe "war song" thing. One of the lines says, "War may be hell, but It was a gceat war for Nell." Her "lawyer" bit In : rhyme Is quite tbe best In the turn, through Its construction, and dona so well by Mies Nordstrom it will beoome one of her lasting bits most likely. Tbe "Hats" Is neat In con- ception and put over through the speed of the delivery, which brings forth several hats of all styles. The opening, "Hook and Eye," is a nice little conceit that tells its autborees la always thinking. There isn't a single «roman in vaudeville who now has anything on Marie Nordstrom, in material or ability to handle it. The Wright and Dietrich act opened after In-■ termlssion, Both were In France as part of the Overseas League, and both tell of it, tbe songs dwelt upcn it and tbe turn was written around it, but they put over a pleasant interlude, nevertheless, with the burden apparently rest- ' Ing upon Reaee Dietrich, announced as tbe writer of two or more of the songs used. One Is a comic, on the English order, another eome- thing alraut "Qladys." Miss Dietrich, after a apell at the piano, tells tbe audience how much they liked to entertain tbe boys over there, and it sounded in place, but when Horace Wright returned and after opening with a snatch of "Have a Smile" (twice done on the bill), he followed with mor^ talk of France and a recitation in addition, it seemed to crowd the turn. The couple look so well they could make some portion of the turn run In more of the popular song line over here, as a double or doubles. Miss Dietrich was one of tbe well ttowned women on the program. She wore two dresses, and - each looked the part. However, they are sure fire now, and while not bellttlai tbelr material because It refers to France, it would stand out more strongly If built on or added to something away from it, . ilie other turn with tbe "Have a Smile" soog was the Duncans. Tbe girls have a medley of several "Smiles" numbers and it ran through smoothly. Tbey dosed with "Another Qood Man Oone Wrong," using tbe blues for har- mony and getting away to a real score. Their personality Is remarkable and stands off the voice of one of tbe sisters even while she Is singing. Tbey -couldn't miss anywhers Frances White Is another example, cold, In- different, seemingly careless as well, yet there ? Is nothing she does or tries to that she can't do to the satisfaction of an audience. She has the combination of magnetism and personality. She's a fortunate girl. Tbe Rock and Whit* act got through In 33 minutes, about nine mln- ■ utes shorter than their scbeddle. They cut the "shimmy" dance. Opening with the Chinese number. Billy Rock then had a humorous ses- sion with himself as tbe A. K.,' who proposed a toast at and at 83 said he would stay out all nlgbt This Is programed as their farewell. It may be if Bill can reconcile the English in- come tax with the original figure they were negotiated for from London. Tbe act had no trouble in getting across, While not sensa- tional In any way. Rock can always be de- pended upon to deliver an act. Tho Seabury and Shaw turn is overbalanced In people through William Shaw ranking so high as a dancer, ecCGntrlc, loose and of the Russian style of stopping. His partner (Miss) Blllie Shaw, finds It hard to keep pace. She Is another of the noted dreasors of this week's bill. Their set, complete, from start to ending, with a couple of novelty settings included, makes the turn a sight act of worthy proPOT- tiong. Mr. Shaw's dancing does the rest. The ipeolal lyrics and muato are credited to Mlsi I^'W^lp^l^^llf^lf^^ppiSp^^ ;: ■ '^ppplPMI Shaw. The lyrics bold nothing of moment In them, and the melodies are ae simple, but it Miss Shaw wrote the muslo to her partner's single dttnce In the full set, she sbould take up musical oompositiona. It is what Is known as "circus music," and tbe first time heard in connection with flat footed dancing. Tbe 8ea- bury-Bhaw torn would have gotten more further down, (hough Mr. Bbaw'a individual work got enough. If Qeorgle Wbtte never beard of him before, he probably has heard pretty often o' Shaw thli week. It won't do Oeorgie any barm Just to sasak around and take a look at this Shaw bor, fcr he's aome dancer. Ben Beyer and Co. (woman) opened tha show with a comedy cycling turn. Mr. Beyer'a best comedy comes from some little laughable turns and tricks he has with the wheels. He Is using a new breakaway wheel for a laugh. MUo, No. 8, also out out an encore, doing about 16 minutes,, starting oB well and never atop- ping. He's much better In 16 minutes than longer. Wken Mtlo appeared ai a tramp after tbe falsetto In the wings, the laughter of the Palace aadlence alcht have said that do one In- the house had ever seen him before. Seatary and thaw had Richard Conn as tbelr pianist; Rodt and White bad an un- programed colored pianist, with each of the accompanists taklig « period for their own piano playhiff soloa. 8fme. COLONIAL standees In Monday night Tbe house is drawing to capacity even In the gallery, and up there they are quite boisteroas at times, though behaved well enough for a west side group. It was a classy bill tbrongbout. with dancing much In evidence, tbere being two big turns of the kind present In Seorge White and Ernestine Myers and Paisley Noon, in addition to several other acts holding stepping. But there was a disappointment to those who expected the famed Navy Jau Band of Charleston to repeat their senaatlonal appearance during the lliird Lib- erty Loan drive when tbe gob Jazzera doubted between the Palace and the Riverside. The band Is doubling this week, appearing at the Palace flrst half and closing the show at the Colonial. In the afternoon many people be- lieved it was Just a band and walked. At night an announcement was made, thoueh Frank Fay might have explained more fully the record of the sailor musicians. Still everyone remained until the flrst number was over, and then walking started. Tbe ^a-doga shot the old "hot iog" over, but It never regis- tered anywhere near tbe sane degrree as their initial appearance last year. It may be that the closing spot was too tough a handi- cap for the band, yet they were on at quarter to eleven, and that la comparatively early for the final turn at this house. The band has two more wedcs with the Alhambra and Riverside, the doubling point from the Pal- ace. But if the lads fail to attract any more than they did at the Colonial their engage- ment, which Incldently entailed considerable effort. Is to be considered a surprising fliv. George White with his girls and Ruth Roye about split hit honors. Wbtte was on seventh, showing the new opening and closing num- bers. He is due for a trip to Frendi Lick Springs for three weeks, when be returns to wind up the season by a third visit to other New York Keith houses, then to show at other centres. This week is White's third at the Colonial. Bven before he asked for a cigar for the Frisco imitation the gallerltes called out that he had the "gimmes." White failed to "grub" cigarettes, the recent ad- vance In cost of which may have made him "lay-off. Concerted applause which the house employed several times during the- evening, brought Wbtte out even after the piano for Fay was rolled on, George pulled a nitty by dancing to the beat of tbe applause, no musle being played. Miss Roye was originally billed for next to closing, but appeared fourth, exchanging places with Fay, who was given tbe later spot at the matinee, be requesting tbe- switch because of some picture work which he Is doing. The change worked for the beet, for up to her appearance tbere was considerable talk but no songs. Her comic antics to her comic lyrics were delivered as strongly as ever. She did "Robert B. Lee" for a flnlaher. Inserting some dashes bf real "shimmy," which was never thought of at the time she originally scored with tbe number. Ths Bmettlne Myers and Paisley Noon turn, with Qrant McKay at the piano and a tiny Obineae girl, who Is on only long enough to carry Mlis Myers' staff off. Is the latest thing In Uass dancing acts. Beautifully hung In silken textores and shewing as much in rich wardrobe the offering richly closed inter- mission. Noon, always neat, nicely delivered the lyrics. With Miss Myers, Noon has a lyrlo mtrodnetng each of the numbers, an Idea that-lends a pleasing quality, and It Is something not present In other dancing acts. Mlas Myers has two barefoot numbers, both dressed In-daring costumes of vari-colorad end embroidered net. As both costumes were split there was to bs had flashes of fully bare legs, made allurlnr through the half lights. There is a burlesque Oriental finish, some- what suggestive of ths number done by Miss Myers and Carl Randall. It Isn't as humorous as the number with Randall, but a program mention might Point out that It is a burlesque. Fay had tbtngs all his own way, for there bad been few laughs preceding. He opened with a satire on the President called "Every- where Wilson Ooes Mrs. Wilson Goes Along Too." Tbe chorus sung as by a woman de- lighted tbe house. He aired his "tcnslMtts tenor" with "I Didn't Know That I Cared." a number which has been bis pet for some time, and it sotmded very well, too. Fay shapes up as one of tbe best comlo singles. Harry and Anna Seymour went over strongly, opening after Intermlsiion. Mis Seymonr Is funny with her riddles and Imita- tions, wbilo her brother's as fleet of foot as any "hoofer.'' On third was "In the Dark," tbe mystery dramatic playlet. The very good cast Is valuable in sending tbe act across. As played It is as good as reading a short In- teresting detective story. Frank Faria and Stephen Peru,- an acro- batic dance dtfo who use their heads, tared excellently. No. 2. They surely offer a ver- satile turn, the sure, adroit Jumping and acrobatics coming In the way of a surprise. Howard's Spectacle opened. It is an animal net In a class by itself. itee, KEinrsTPHILA. Philadelphia, March 12. It looks like a big rtm for tbe Lentefi aeason. Last week tbe show headed by Lillian Russell almost reached the record-breaking point and indications Monday were that this week's bill, which has Belle Baker as its hcadllner, will draw in another generous - bunch of money. The show got oft to a fine start with Miss Baker holding down her feature position in great style. It was necessary to shake up the running drder for the matinee, but despite this and the substitution of LeMalre and Hayes for Bryan and Broderlck, the show hit a high average. The LeMalre and Hayes act fell Into a nice soft spot, but failed to do much owing to their comedy talk petering out long before they reached the finish and It sort of let the blackface boys down. Tbey have some good chatter, but It does not last long enough to carry-them through. The rest of It Is pretty well filled with familiar material. Miss Baker proved bow strong a card she is and how well she Is liked here by putting over a smaahing hit although she was moved up from next to closing to the centre of tbe bill to give her an opportunity to rest up be- tween shows. She was very hoarse, but every song was a hit. There Is a very strong closing line to her Italian number, which Miss Baker should eliminate. All but two of her other songs were new here and the audience simply coiild not get enough of her. Another hit went to tbe credit of Ruby Nor- ton and Sammy Lee, the letter's dancing registering especially strong. Miss Norton was In excellent voice and the blonde girl can sing with 'any of fbem in vaudeville, but why she sticks to that "Glanlnnl Mfo" when there are so many new ones In the market is a mystery. Miss Norton dances cleverly and does a lot for the success of tbe act by pre- senting a moat atrlklng picture In several cos- tume changes. The Lyons and Yosco welcome was Just as warm as ever. Tbey get so much out of their Jazzy music It might prove well for them to try a little more of It. The dramatic sketch "Moonshine" introduced Edmond Hayes in a .strong character role. Probably many in the house did not recognize him as tbe former burlesque comedian, the Bolshevik face adornment effectually conceal- ing bis features, but Hayes deserves credit for putting over something new In tbe line of one-act plays and giving a distinctly clever performance. The sane can be said of Richard Hutchtns, playing opposite, and they made the story, written by Arthur Hopkins, so interest- ing It held close attention from a capacity bouse. Tbe Four Haley Sisters are also new here, but tbe girls are sure of ft welcome at any time. Girl quartets have been heard here before, but this one has a little something on all the rest of them. A tall lanky contralto Is a close Imitation of Fannie Brlce In ber mannerisms and her touch of funmaking is quite an asset. Billy Schoen was also in tbe "new" class here, with a monolog delivered . along entirely different lines from any other, but there is a lot lacking in his delivery. His talk Just falls to reach the mark intended. It he Is new, Schoen will very likely Improve with work. As it is he is Just In the fair class on what be showed here. Tbe classv eyeing turn, with its comedy talk offered by Paul Gordon and Ame Rica was a very satis- factory opener and Challen and Keke held down the closing position nicely with a prettily staged wire-walking act. Their routine shows few new tricks, but they are well handled. KEmrsTiosTON. Boston, March 12. ' A ahow which started off rather matter of fact developed Into a riot at the evening performance Monday and proved to be one of tbe best shows of the entire season. Once again the bill was an even one, arranged quite neatly, and running, with one exception, true to form. Marie Cabill, for the flrst time In vaudeville, was tbe headllner. Tbe house was capacity and the show ran a bit late, as Is usual on Monday night The Wheeler Brothers were . penciled In for the opening act Tbey re- placed Willie Hale and Brother. Tbe Wheelers have a conventional acrobatic act, but. tbey worked bard and finished strong and result was a flne opener. Francis Renault was a hit. He worked his female ImperRonatlons for all, they were worth and there was a great deal of Interest among the audience In bis costumes. -The program carried a note that tbe wardrobe cost ^,000. He singe a couple of songs In French and wont over very well. ' Dan Bruce and Margot Duffet company, in a sketch "Thru the Keyhole" have a clever little playlet. Especially good Is tbe stage setting, tbe drop curtain being cut out In the shape of a keyhole. The playlet gets over smpothly and received considerable encourag- Lady Tsen Mel, billed as tbe Chinese night- ingale, woke up the bill with a crash. She was only out front a few minutes when everybody realized that she had a clever act and that they were seeing an artiste. Her sdhgs are new and snappy and she has a splendid stage presence. She used a native Chinese coitums oxolusjyely. The lady does marvelous woi* in Imitating animal sounds, during one of XpISX sL';! °'"°''" '""r temporariS In Jhe comedy sketch, "The Honeymoon." In Which William L. Gibson, Re5S •gSShJftl SJ".*.?- "^' ^^^^^ •" featured, fa the ezonse for the many, many playlets which have ap- peared on the vaudeville stage with matri- mony as the basis. It.ls a gem In a perfect 'S"*°/' A""* *l*"^°K tJ»« en"" oouwo of tte comedy there isn't a dull second. „„?V\'^ V^S^^ audience was In good humor and Georgle Price.caught them Just right and kept them at it He is assisted by Henry Young at the piano. Without a second's letup he kept working, doing imltaUons, and wound "9 with one of Fannie Brlce, about the clev- erest thing ever seen on a stage In this city. For the closing number be imiuted Belle Baker. Price look several bows and could have stayed on tor a much longer period. hin "w., St^'l'. C^°"y the headllner of the bill, had the high spot. She makes a quiet entrance but gets them going at the start when she sings some of the choruses of the lOngs which made her so wolj known mi'the mu- sical comedy stage. She also dooT;* monolog lu a telephone scene that Is very .good. .Miss Cahlll u^es a "blue" song In her act and does It well, and closed very strong. She Is a hit as a vaudeville turn. Her accompanist didn't try to born In on the act at any stage—Just merely accompanied and did it well. When Wellington Cross arrived he used his regular material. This got over very well and he used four song numbers. Than he went into high and Gibson, who bad appeared in a previous act, shot on to the stage and the pair started a turn that was a riot. Cross announced they would do a thought trans- mission act and Gibson, blindfolded, was left on the stage while Cross went througb the house burlesquing a turn of this Character. It was a scream and tbe hit of the evening. Cross and Gibson closed to a rocking audience. Earl Reynolds and Nellie Donegan have a skating act, on rollers, which made an ex- ceptionally good closing number. LmUltiey. ORPHEUM, SAfT FRANCISCO. San Francisco, March 12. Big business this week at the Orpheum and the unusual sight of tbe boxes filled on a Monday afternoon was seen. Tbe business is credited to Valeska Suratt In 'The Purple Poppy," headlining. The star's surprising dramatic qualities combined with a good cast In an excellent sketch and strong ending, resulted in tbe act going big .and warranting the call for a speech which closed by Miss Suratt thanking tbe gallery for Its good behavior, which made a hit The two holdovers, John B. Hymer and McKay during their act caused a riot of ap- plause. Walters and Walters gave an ex- cellent ventrlloquial offering well received. The Primrose Four were a hit next to clos- ing. The appearances of Miss Suratt and McKay and Ardlne, we;'e again important- Everest's Novelty Circus billed to close was switched to opening through Arthur Wancer and Maybelle Palmer refusing to play u sec- ond position and withdrawing from the show. Tbe Bennett Sisters* substituted and closed acceptably with tbelr athletic offering. Major Rhoades held second place, his violin selections being well received. The ragged street urchin make up does not appear to help and he might be more successful with clean dressing. " "5RPHEUM,^EW ORLEANS. New Orleans, Mardi 12. Light, frothful entertainment this week. Blanch Ring headlines. The audience was unduly receptive, Indicting but one black mark, occurring quite oarly. Gus Henderson was supposed to start the show, and did, but failed to start anything else. His is a bounding turn, suggesting that for- merly offered by Charles Ledegar, but lacking i<i the requisites that make for appeal. Bert Grant and BUI Jones pitched their turn on high and speeded right through to the finish. Jones' English poem, employed pero- rattvely, elicited unrestrained approval. Thereafter happened Murlal Worth, who pur- loined tbe show minus anything approaching competition. She emerged with the greatest terpslchorean triumph in the history of the local Orpheum. Dale and Burcb were next In < position and point of approval. Their "Riding Master" skitlet Is studded with nuggets of the rarest humor. Miss Ring did not bring much with her to vaudeville save ber smile and much matter' anent herself. Her opening number, whi(^ seems exclusive, is rather bright, and begot appreciation, but afterward her efforts were leas. Walter Brewer installed himself into favor at once. Much of his matter Is familiar, but loses very little In tbe retelling. His last bit about'water, with the height of contrast, evoked reverberant laughter. Emerson and Baldwin were splendidly received In the clos- ing position. 0. a. Samuel. AMERIC^ROOF. The L-sbaped lobby downstairs has been in process of redecoratlon for some time. The work Is now completed and the entrances look neater and brighter than ever before, aitd tbere are attractive frames for photo display. The management might go so far now In Its recklessness as to freshen tbe decorations of the roof. The arbor scheme of embellishment it correct enough for a roof garden, but ths same materials have been in use, and with the summer coming on leaves which aren't dust (Continued on page 27) i-'V.-^:-